Everyone knows that to have a healthier life you need to eat healthily, exercise regularly, and avoid bad habits such as smoking and drinking too much alcohol. But in reality, people don’t always follow these principles. Many people struggle with finding the time to exercise, or they find it hard to stick to a strict diet. It can be easy to fall into old bad habits again after trying for a while to break them. However, there are several habits which can help support your efforts in other areas of life – from good nutrition and physical activity to stress management and mental wellbeing. They aren’t difficult to implement; all it takes is some conscious effort.
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1. Go to bed early and get up early.
Early rising has long been linked to better health and greater success. Benjamin Franklin’s advice to “early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise” has been proved right again and again. People who go to bed early and get up early generally have more energy throughout the day. They are more likely to get more sleep than those who stay up late, which again leads to more energy. Getting enough sleep is important for healthy growth and development in young people and for maintaining your immune system in adults. It also helps to regulate your mood, which can be helpful for people who suffer from anxiety. Getting up early has also been linked to better mental health and well-being, as well as more productivity, greater impulse control, and more self-discipline. All of which are important in creating a healthier lifestyle.
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2. Exercise regularly.
As well as having many health benefits, such as reducing stress, boosting your mood, and improving your mental health, exercise also has a positive impact on your digestive health. It has been shown to reduce bloating, gas, and other symptoms of digestive diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome. It is best to try to get some form of exercise every day, for at least 30 minutes. It is possible to work exercise into your daily routine. For example, walking to work rather than taking a car, taking the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator, or gardening are all great ways to fit in some exercise.
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3. Eat a healthy diet.
A healthy diet has been linked to a reduced risk of many diseases and conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. It can also help with your digestive health and prevent digestive problems such as bloating and gas. It can also help with oral health reducing the risk of tooth decay. A healthy diet doesn’t have to be expensive, but it does require you to avoid certain foods. Food additives, colourings, flavourings, and preservatives are best avoided. Many are linked to health problems, such as allergies and asthma. Artificial sweeteners have been linked to many health problems and should be avoided too. Processed food should also be avoided where possible, as this too is linked to many health problems.
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4. Stress management and mental wellbeing.
Stress is an inevitable part of life, and we all experience it at some point. When it is managed well, it can be a positive force that helps us to achieve more. When it gets out of control, it can do serious damage to your mental and physical health. There are lots of ways that you can reduce your stress – some of which are mentioned in the previous sections. Regular exercise is one way to reduce stress. It releases endorphins, which are the chemicals in your body that make you feel happy. Another way to reduce your stress is to set achievable goals. Setting goals will help you to feel more in control of your life and will reduce your stress levels. Another way to reduce stress is to try to take time each day to relax and unwind. This could be as simple as taking a break from work every hour or so and relaxing for a few minutes.
The 4 habits that will change your life are:
- Go to bed early and get up early
- Exercising regularly
- Eat a healthy diet
- Stress management and mental wellbeing
There are many benefits to these habits including more energy, better mental health, improved digestion, and reduced stress. When combined with other healthy lifestyle choices they can be the key to a healthier and happier life.